Managing Change, Plus 7 Steps to Take When Facing A Challenge

I recently read a very good article written by Tony Kubica and Sara LaForest that I would like to share with you.  I think it really puts into perspective what owners and business managers need to do when faced with a challenge that requires change. Read more.

This article dove-tails very well with my lead article on what to do when you or your business is stuck.  Kubica and LaForest write that “We’ve all heard it before – if we haven’t heard of it than it is not worth doing.  This attitude is referred to as the “not invented here” syndrome”.  

As a consultant I am use to this syndrome because it is used by owners and managers to fend off outside influence to their business.  It is natural to protect your company from outside influence, because who knows your business better than you?  They write “however, “not invented here” is a problem and it serves as a form of an organizations resistance to change”

So what should you do when your company is faced with a challenge.  In the writers opinion there are three options.

1. Do nothing
2. Understand the challenge and create solutions
3. Hire outside help to assess and facilitate the solutions

If we assume the challenge is real and that it presents a problem to the company, then option 1 will surely lead to potential disaster.  This is what I referred to as being stuck.

Option 2 can work if you or your staff possess the skills, knowledge and objectivity to identify the problem and initiate the changes required.

Option 3 will be effective if combined with option 2.  Using outside resources can be a very important asset to the company if you believe a third party has a broader experience or skill set for identifying potential solutions.  For example, my strengths lie in financial analysis but when it comes to marketing, I turn to my consultant for solutions because he is the expert.

Regardless of whether you choose option 2 or 3, Kubica and Laforest offer 7 steps you should take when your business is faced with a challenge

1. Understand the Problem:  Take the time to research the problem through your various resources and make sure you do this before anything else.
2. Identify Options:  This is where you identify potential solutions to the problem and it should include more than one.
3. Select an Option:  Discuss your options with your various resources to help choose the one that best suits the right solution.
4. Understand What It Will Take To Implement:  It is important to identify what tools you will require to implement the solution.  It might be money, staff, consultant or advertising to name a few.
5. Prepare an Action Plan:  This should include the What, Where, Who and When for your solution.
6. Implementation:  Follow up is the key to implementation to ensure the action plan is on track and achieving what it was designed for.
7. Evaluation:  After implementation it is important to evaluate the success of the plan.  Did it achieve the desired results or should you make an adjustment and start again?

If you follow these 7 steps in conjunction with the three options, your chances of dealing successfully with the challenge are enhanced 10 fold.  It’s your business and your future, so face the challenge and get started on a solution.

If you believe you need an outside resource to help with this process, contact me for a free consultation.

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